Why I Love Imperial Beach: Photo Essay 1

I’ve lived in Imperial Beach since 1971. It is one of the last cool little blue collar beach towns left in Southern California. And I love the neat little ways in which people brighten up their businesses and our public plazas (courtesy of the Port of San Diego) along the beachfront.  This is what gives our town character and  makes us unique. And it is why  I love my hometown of Imperial Beach.

The Imperial Beach Pier Plaza and a public art project called Surfhenge.

The Imperial Beach Pier Plaza and a public art project called Surfhenge.

Mike Bibbey, the owner of Bibbey's Shell Shop, is awesome--full of energy, passion and creativity.

Mike Bibbey, the owner of Bibbey’s Shell Shop, is awesome–full of energy, passion and creativity.

I am very honored to have helped to provided the information that was used in many of the plaques along the pier. The project honors the history of surfing the Tijuana Sloughs reef.

I am very honored to have helped  provide the information that was used in many of the plaques along the pier. The project honors the history of surfing the Tijuana Sloughs reef.

Bibbey's Shell Shop is an IB landmark and this shark is a favorite photo stop for tourists and locals.

Bibbey’s Shell Shop is an IB landmark and this shark is a favorite photo stop for tourists and locals.

 

DSC_0766

The IB mermaid at Bibbey’s Shell Shop.

DSC_0767

I love Bibbey’s because it is community art that makes people happy.

DSC_0768

The octopus door at Bibbey’s.

DSC_0770

You have to really look close to see all of the details on the mural at Bibbey’s.

DSC_0781

A stunning mural on the side of the building that is the location of IB Yoga–which is one of the many cool little businesses that have opened up in town over the past few years. We need more beautiful art like this around town and we need to continue to support local small businesses benefit the community.

Street Art and Urban Design in Paris

Paris is a beautiful city. But in addition to historic landmarks and incredible museums are nuggets of street art  and very smart urban design. Here are some things that caught my eye on a recent visit to see my family on my way to the Wild10 Conference in Spain. Public and street art is everywhere. You just have to look for it. Mixing formal and “informal” art in a city makes it interesting.

From a public photography display on the quay of the Seine near the Eiffel Tower.

From a public photography display on the quay of the Seine near the Eiffel Tower.

IMG_1581

More and more people are using bicycles in Paris. Here are some cyclists near the Eiffel Tower with a new pocket park behind them.

These little "pocket parks" of trees can be found everywhere. A very smart way to green up the city.

These little “pocket parks” of trees can be found everywhere. A very smart way to green up the city.

A blue whale on the Seine.

A blue whale on the Seine. Part of the “NuitBlanche” festivities.

IMG_1616

Ice art at the Swedish Cultural Center in the Marais.

IMG_1618

Art made using ice in Sweden. We met the artist who did this-very interesting. The exhibit was free and open to the public.

IMG_1624

This was tucked away in the corner of a wall in the Marais.

IMG_1636

A door in the Marais.

IMG_1646

On the Rue de Rosier in the Marais.

IMG_1654

In the Marais.

IMG_1637 IMG_1655

I love the trees in the middle of Montmartre.

I love the trees in the middle of Montmartre.

I love these public cement ping pong tables in a park.

I love these public cement ping pong tables in a park.

Community gardens at the edge of Paris in Suresnes.

Community gardens at the edge of Paris in Suresnes.

IMG_1796

 

 

 

%d bloggers like this: